Syracuse is good.  No doubt about that.  The Syracuse win over Connecticut was unbelievable.  I have enjoyed watching them play this entire NCAA season.  The only thing holding them back from being a Top 5 team is the only thing that has held Memphis from making a bigger dent in the NCAAs the last few years:  the inability to make free throws, not just down the stretch but throughout the game.  Think about how much stress they could take off themselves if they made their free throws early on in games.  They would build bigger leads and be able to make better decisions without being under constant stress.

That being said, should they beat Louisville in the Big East Finals today, they will have beat two Top 5 Teams (#s 3 [Connecticut] & 5 [Louisville]) in 3 days, not to mention a very good West Virginia side who had defeated #2 Pittsburgh a day earlier.  That will justify any talk of Syracuse being a Top 5 or Top 10 team themselves and a legitimate contender to win the big dance.

I enjoy the way they play, both defensively and offensively.  When you look at their zonal defending, they are disciplined.  It is very very difficult to get open looks at the basket, and I think that will be the most important thing to keep in mind as they make a run.  They are tough to break down, mentally and physically.  Offensively, Deevendorf and Flynn are machines, backed up by another terrific shooter, Rautins.  These guys, when they’re on, provide those extra points that Syracuse can’t get from the free throw line.

They have the tools to make a run.  Let’s see if it happens.  Good luck Syracuse.

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